This ISLAND is no mirage

Rating: 6/10 (12 August 2005)

When is comes to sci-fi shows on TV, I usually turn the channel and watch something else, but a sci-fi flick is a totally different ballgame. Where TV can only go so far, movies take it to the extreme, which is why I have adored films like MINORITY REPORT and THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK in recent years. It's these blown-up sci-fi/action flicks that really get the blood pumping, because it's not just an ordinary action flick. There's usually a fairly compelling story to go along with it, which makes for something fun and intriguing to watch on the big screen. That's what gets me into the theater to watch and why films like THE ISLAND are successful in my book. The reality to any sci-fi flick is the fact that it is far-fetched and probably unlikely, even though it is set so many years in the unknown future, but that's exactly the reason why sci-fi films make money and create a fan base. And for that, I always look forward to a new story that will most likely blow my mind, good or bad. So, before you get on the bandwagon of bad reviews and press for this film, take a step back and just watch. Because it's not about the unreal special effects or action sequences, it's about the innovative story that makes you think and wonder "what if?" Usually when it comes to most sci-fi flicks, the cast isn't the most important piece to the puzzle. But, after watching THE ISLAND, I have to give the producers and director Michael Bay credit for casting Ewan McGregor. I think if nothing else, this story needed someone that could pull off acting cool under pressure, but still seem distant from the truth that was going on around his character. McGregor (STAR WARS: EPISODE I, II, III, BIG FISH) does that and does it well, showing that Scottish swagger that has made him so popular in films like this. But, McGregor did have some help in Scarlett Johansson, who not only is beautiful to look at, but is also cool under the collar, showing off that innocent yet confident nature that made her Jordan Two Delta character the most fun to watch throughout. And seeing Johansson (LOST IN TRANSLATION, GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING) let loose and kick some butt was neat to see and something I would have liked to see more of in next year's MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 3, which she was slated to be in before pulling out several weeks ago due to production delays. But, I guess for now we'll give her "props" for this role and McGregor too for a job well done in a film where acting traditionally takes a back seat.
As expected, the special effects and action sequences in THE ISLAND were pretty insane to watch. In fact, I would go as far as to say they were some of the best I've seen in recent memory, which doesn't by any means belittle WAR OF THE WORLDS or even FANTASTIC FOUR, but the action and special effects in this film were a tad different. The trick with THE ISLAND is coming up with action and special effects that carefully hover over the line of realism, and for the most part director Michael Bay did that. Sure, the principles behind the effects might be a bit far fetched, but the action that unfolded was just as fun and real as the action sequences that made both of Bay's BAD BOYS films so popular. But, the trick to this film was the molding of Bay's action to the story, which I must say, was done quite well when it was all said and done. And yes, believe it or not, there was one scene that pushed the envelope of realism, but that's what makes Michael Bay unique. He manages to throw all the action he can into one scene and still make 90% of it believable, a feat few directors attempt.
THE ISLAND may not reach stardom like it's close predecessor and classic LOGAN'S RUN, but the pure combination of intense action sequences and a story that makes you think works well. Going in, I really didn't know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised with a film that was not only fun to watch but also engaging at the same time. So, despite some flaws here and there, overall THE ISLAND is the most detailed work to date for director Michael Bay and a film I would recommend seeing if for nothing else the pure entertainment it oozes of.
B